A genius innovator of circus equipment long in use, and even better at creating labor-saving concepts that won patents. Little has been recounted of his formal education, but nothing seems to indicate enrollment in engineering. He saw back-breaking practices on circus lots and from his fertile mind came intricate designs which relieved or eliminated many of the worst.
Cap Curtis had a reputation of a real tough guy. Especially with the majority of black big top guys. On Cole he had a stateroom in Zack Terrels private car. Having been with Terrel on the corp. shows and Concello would bring him to RBB in his late year to pick his marvelous self taught engineering expertise. Note the Ringling seat wagons.He had pecan farm in miss. quite a guy. Do not believe he ever married.
Bob Reynolds was Prop Boss on Ringling for years, and was in the DeMille picture. He segued to the Beatty show at the behest of Frank McClosky when he, Kernan, Calhoun, and Collins formed what I call the Gang of Four to purchase the Beatty show at the Sheriff's auction, in mid-1956. Reynolds remained on Props there until his passing. He was succeeded by the hardest-working man I knew in showbusiness, Tommy Clarke.
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A genius innovator of circus equipment long in use, and even better at creating labor-saving concepts that won patents. Little has been recounted of his formal education, but nothing seems to indicate enrollment in engineering. He saw back-breaking practices on circus lots and from his fertile mind came intricate designs which relieved or eliminated many of the worst.
Reminds me that the last time I
recall seeing that title used
was for Bob Reynolds on Beatty
I believe Bob may have been the
Boss Props on Ringling before
he joined the new ownership on
the Beatty Show
Cap Curtis had a reputation of a real tough guy. Especially with the majority of black big top guys. On Cole he had a stateroom in Zack Terrels private car. Having been with Terrel on the corp. shows and Concello would bring him to RBB in his late year to pick his marvelous self taught engineering expertise. Note the Ringling seat wagons.He had pecan farm in miss. quite a guy. Do not believe he ever married.
Bob Reynolds was Prop Boss on Ringling for years, and was in the DeMille picture. He segued to the Beatty show at the behest of Frank McClosky when he, Kernan, Calhoun, and Collins formed what I call the Gang of Four to purchase the Beatty show at the Sheriff's auction, in mid-1956. Reynolds remained on Props there until his passing. He was succeeded by the hardest-working man I knew in showbusiness, Tommy Clarke.
He may well have started as the
Boss Props on Beatty in the 50s
but by 61 (my 1st of May year)
(which started in March) Tommy
was already Boss Props & Bob
was the General Superintendant
After Tommy left the circus he
joined a specialty local in NY
of the IATSE & worked on the
trade shows & conventions
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